Ferula persica Seeds | Persian Asafoetida
LATIN NAME: Ferula persica
COMMON NAME: Persian Asafoetida
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Persian Asafoetida (Ferula persica) stands out as a perennial. Plant steadily develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. It does well in sun and sharp-draining, sandy ground. In good conditions it grows to around 5-10 metres. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Ferula group, Ferula persica contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. The Persian asafoetida has a real and distinguished place in the research. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Persian Asafoetida has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, the Persian asafoetida is a generous plant of dry garden. Its tall, upright, rounded clusters of small, yellow flowers feed bees and many insects, and its bold, feathery form gives a fine, sculptural presence to dry garden and the border. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Ferula gives asafoetida, the pungent resin spice essential to Indian cooking and a classical digestive for gas and bloating; the giant ornamental species are dramatic garden subjects.
Growing from Seed
Persian Asafoetida grows readily from seed. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Reaching 5-10 metres, it needs room to show its full form. It tolerates the sort of small mistakes every beginner makes.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Persian Asafoetida often pair it with these related subjects: